Deadly heatwave hits Europe again: WHO warns of a new wave of danger
This is stated in a press release from the WHO Regional Office for Europe.
Where the worst heat is expected
According to the WHO forecast, a new heatwave is already forming over the Atlantic.
The highest temperatures are forecast for Portugal and southern Spain, where thermometers could reach +43°C. A further rise in temperatures is also expected in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
Meanwhile, some parts of Central Asia are already suffering from temperatures of around +40°C.
WHO has warned of new life-threatening risks
Hans-Henry Kluge, Director of the WHO Regional Office for Europe, has stated that the coming weeks could become even more dangerous for the population.
According to him, the biggest problem is that less than half of the countries in the European Region have national plans to respond to heatwaves and protect public health.
The WHO also pointed out that many people are unaware of the risks they face, even after the highest level of weather hazard has been declared. The organisation has called on countries to be more proactive in opening cooling centres, strengthening the resilience of healthcare infrastructure and improving public awareness, particularly among the elderly, the homeless and socially vulnerable groups.
Europe is already seeing a rise in mortality rates
The effects of the previous heatwave have already been reflected in mortality statistics.
In France, mortality rates during the last week of June rose by 29 per cent compared with the previous week. The country’s Health Minister, Stéphanie Rist, reported a marked increase in the number of deaths among people aged over 45.
In Belgium, 1,222 cases of excess mortality were recorded during the heatwave — 39 per cent higher than the usual level. Almost half of those who died were aged 85 or over.
How European countries are responding
Some countries have already activated special response plans.
Austria has introduced an updated heatwave response plan, implemented additional rules to protect workers and strengthened coordination between central and local authorities.
In Belgium, the highest heat hazard level has been declared for only the second time since 2020.
France has strengthened cooperation between health services and other state bodies, whilst North Macedonia has called in Red Cross and Red Crescent teams to assist people without a permanent place of residence.
Is Ukraine facing a new heatwave?
According to Ukrainian meteorologist Vitaliy Postrygan, Ukraine is not currently at risk of a new wave of European heat.
The weather pattern over Eastern Europe remains different. Over the coming days, cooler air from northern latitudes will flow into Ukraine, which will prevent a sharp rise in temperatures.
At the same time, meteorologists emphasise that weather conditions change rapidly in summer, so forecasts may be revised.
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